Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharlyne Rogers.
Hi Sharlyne, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story begins in Pomona, CA, being raised by a single mother with two daughters. I obtained my associate’s degree in paralegal studies in Riverside, CA, in 1993. After the Northridge quake in 1994, I fled to Providence, RI, and obtained my bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies in 1997. I relocated to Orlando, FL, in 2003 to enjoy a lower cost of living. I wrote my first book in 2007 entitled “When Heaven Hears Your Prayer,” and I have self-published a total of eight faith-based books thus far. I began writing resumes and editing books in 2008, so I launched my own business in 2014.
As an ambassador for a local chamber of commerce in Orlando, I was able to go back to school free of charge to obtain a master’s degree in business administration in 2017. I relocated to Jacksonville in 2022 after surviving narcissistic abuse from an ex-husband. I currently serve as a Branch Councillor with Foresters Financial, ensuring a culture of volunteerism and philanthropy in my local community, and a SCORE Mentor who counsels other small business owners and entrepreneurs.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This road encompassing over half a century has definitely been challenging, but the inner healing I’ve gained from life’s lessons has been worth it. I have transitioned from corporate America to 10 years of self-employment, then from full-time work to unemployment. After 10 years in the mortgage industry, I was laid off in 2007 when the real estate bubble burst. In 2010, I was laid off from my next job as a resume writer when that company shut down. I worked a remote customer service job for a short time before I finally got a full-time job as an administrative assistant for a commercial appraisal company in 2012. After resigning three years later, I initially made much more money as an independent contractor. But when a big contract ended that I thought would last indefinitely, my income greatly decreased, my credit score went down to the 400s, and I eventually lost my house after 12 years of ownership.
I also acquired a life insurance license in 2017 but only remained in that industry for one year. While working from home in Jacksonville, I found a few event-based jobs but still struggled to pay all of my bills. After my mother passed away on the last day of 2023, I decided to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. My 2024 discharge delayed my plans for home ownership, but I was able to restore my credit to a decent score. In 2025, I had to abandon both the freedom and stress of being self-employed by obtaining a full-time office position. While looking forward to applying for a mortgage in November of 2026, I was recently laid off from my job in May. However, if I did not put all of my trust in the Lord, then I would not have the strength to persevere in all my endeavors.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Spirit of Excellence Writing & Editing Services, LLC is a state-certified Woman & Minority Business Enterprise. As an entrepreneur, I edit diverse books, update resumes, and proofread various content for both individuals and businesses. I also launched Author Advocate Academy, offering one-on-one coaching to help first-time authors navigate the entire book writing process from conception through publishing. What sets me apart from most business owners is that I don’t see anyone as my competition. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and gaining wisdom from others because I want everyone to win.
What I am most proud of is that my brand is not one-dimensional. I am an award-winning author, inspirational speaker, and professional editor who has been invited to speak and teach at a variety of community and ministry events statewide. And expanding my creativity to stage and screen, I have ministered with a dance team at the International Pastors and Leadership Conference and acted in a Christian hip-hop video, gospel play, short and feature films, and commercials. Moreover, I have an IMDb profile because I contributed to the script for “The Turnaround” movie, which has won and been nominated for multiple awards such as Best Screenplay at the 3rd Annual WideScreen Film & Music Video Festival.
My company earned Honorable Mention for the 2025 Best of Florida Business & Creative Services in the Publications category, and I was named Most Likely to Succeed as a Best Selling Author in 2023 and Author of the Year in 2013. In everything I do — whether I’m writing a book, consulting with a client, or creating a video — my main goal is to uplift, support, and strengthen someone else. I pride myself on being more than just a service provider because I genuinely care about my clients, followers, and subscribers.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
One fact that most people will be surprised to know is that I am currently working on my very first fiction book! After writing eight non-fiction guides based solely on Bible principles, the Lord has commissioned me to express my personal testimony of escaping a toxic relationship as a dark romance novel. I was inspired after attending the Black Book Bash in Jacksonville in 2025 and also by being a swag bag sponsor for the 2026 Black Romance Book Festival in Atlanta. While exhibiting Christian values, my new book entitled “Jezebel’s Jail” will also incorporate the key elements of a romantic thriller.
Pricing:
- Standard book editing: $300-$600
- Resumes and cover letters: $100+
- Author coaching: $47-$297
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.takeupthysword.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writingandeditingservices/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpiritOfExcellenceWritingAndEditingServices
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/writingandeditingservices/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/takeupthysword
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@sharlynecarla
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/spirit-of-excellence-writing-and-editing-services-altamonte-springs
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/takeupthysword
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/takeupthysword
